The Spanish international playmaker was in the starting line-up yesterday afternoon as Manchester United defeated West Ham United 2-0 at Upton Park.

In the absence of the injured Robin Van Persie, Manchester United David Moyes opted to start Wayne Rooney as the main striker and allow Juan Mata to play in his preferred number 10 central role.

The system clearly benefited Manchester United’s £37m January transfer window signing, as Mata tested the goalkeeper twice and produced 5 key passes – more than any other player on the pitch.

On the way back from East London, substitute goalkeeper Lindegaard and Mata bumped into a Juan Mata lookalike. Amazed by the similarities between the two, the Danish international shot-stopper took a quick snapshot before positing it on Twitter. 'Which one is Juan Mata?', he asked.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.